It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of MARTY STEELE who was suddenly and tragically taken from us on May 13, 2012 in Lethbridge, AB at the age of 35 years.

Marty is survived by his mother Shirley Steele and grandmother Mrs. Mary Steele. Marty and his cousin Jayme were raised by their loving grandmother Mary or ""Gramma Bear"" as referred to by them. Marty was a loving grandson, son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, friend, and best friend. He was a kind gentle soul, always with a warm smile and easily made friends wherever he went. He believed in and respected our Blackfoot culture and spirituality. He had many goals and achievements throughout his lifetime. Growing up, his creativity led him to become a self-taught artist; he enjoyed drawing, wood and clay sculpture, playing guitar, writing songs and poems. Marty made many art pieces for his Gramma Bear. As an athlete, he played rugby, was in track and field, Taekwondo and was a referee for minor hockey. He volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club in his earlier years and later with the St. John's Ambulance as a Medical First Response and Safety Officer (Lieutenant) for community events in Southern Alberta, the Lethbridge Brigade 454, and Military Militia. Marty was employed as a cook in his earlier years and in later years as a Commissionaires Security Officer. He received his high school diploma, trades certificate, and many other certificates in recognition of his achievements. He was currently in the process of furthering his education.

Besides his grandmother and mother Shirley, Marty is survived by his special friend Angel, his sister Kimberly (Jessie) Steele-Heidebrecht, and brother Travis Steele - Hiedebrecht, aunt Lillian Steele, aunt MaryAnn (Edward) Steele- St. Germaine, uncle Mike Steele, his cousins: Chris, Cody, Nicolas, Lesley, Jessie, Cheyenne, Kai, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and relations on his maternal side include: The families of the late Mr. Peter and Mrs. MaryAnn (nee Long Time Squirrel) Many Bears, great aunt Mrs. Lucy Blood and family, great aunt Mrs. Rachel Big Plume and family, late great aunt Mrs. Annie Cross Child's family, late great aunt Mrs. Philomena Twigg's family, late great aunt Nancy Calihoo's family, Bruised Heads, Long Time Squirrels, White Man, Many Grey Horses, Wells, Old Shoes, Crows, Cottons, Plumes, Mrs. Rosie Day Rider and family, late Mrs. Annie Weasel Head's family, and late Mrs. Florence Scout's family; adopted families: aunt Kim Black Water, Jessie Black Water, aunt Blanche Bruised Head, uncle Matt Bruised Head, uncle Pernell Bruised Head; and on his paternal side: Wolf Tails.

Marty was predeceased by his father Joshua Wolf Tail, and his grandfather Mike Steele Sr. The family apologizes for names that may have been missed. Marty touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at 5:00PM on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 Street South, Lethbridge, led by Maureen Condon Horon, with a wake continuing until 11:00pm.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at ST. BASIL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 - 13 Street North, Lethbridge, with Father Tim Boyle celebrant.

Interment to follow in the Steele Family Plot.